Coastal birding habitat

Red School Road/Cora Island Road

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Red School Road/Cora Island Road is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Blue Jay, Horned Lark, and Turkey Vulture among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/2/2026Clifton Terrace Park Parking Lot8 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

6/2/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

6/2/2026Home2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/1/20261000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri, US (38.86, -90.159) Drainage Area From West Alton Floodplains1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Forest Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/1/2026Orton Rd.1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Killdeer

55/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Horned Lark

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

45/31/2026

Dickcissel

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

American Kestrel

15/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/28/2026

American Robin

45/28/2026

Song Sparrow

15/28/2026

Blue-winged Teal

15/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

505/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/24/2026

European Starling

45/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Red School Road/Cora Island Road for birding?
The best months to visit Red School Road/Cora Island Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red School Road/Cora Island Road?
Notable species at Red School Road/Cora Island Road include Blue Jay, Horned Lark, Turkey Vulture, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red School Road/Cora Island Road?
Birding at Red School Road/Cora Island Road is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Red School Road/Cora Island Road?
Red School Road/Cora Island Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.